Thin film transistor and fabrication method thereof

ABSTRACT

A thin film transistor (TFT) with a self-aligned lightly-doped region and a fabrication method thereof. An active layer has a channel region, a first doped region and a second doped region, in which the first doped region is disposed between the channel region and the second doped region. A gate insulating layer formed overlying the active layer has a central region, a shielding region and an extending region. The shielding region is disposed between the central region and the extending region, the central region covers the channel region, the shielding region covers the first doped region, and the extending region covers the second doped region. The shielding region is thicker than the extending region. A gate layer is formed overlying the gate insulating layer, covers the central region and exposes the shielding region and the extending region.

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/833,487, filed Apr. 27, 2004, which is commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a thin film transistor (TFT), and more particularly to a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly-doped region and a fabrication method thereof.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Thin film transistors (TFTs) are used in a variety of integrated circuits, and in particular, as a switching device in each pixel area of liquid crystal display (LCD) and OLED display. According to the materials used, a TFT is classified as either an amorphous silicon TFT or a polysilicon TFT. Compared with the amorphous TFT, the polysilicon TFT has the advantages of high carrier mobility, high integration of driving circuits, small leakage current and higher speed operation, and is often applied to high-speed operation applications, such as a static random access memory (SRAM). One of the major problems of these TFTs is the OFF-state leakage current, which causes charge loss in LCDs and high standby power dissipation in SRAMs. Seeking to solve this problem, conventional lightly doped regions have been used to reduce the drain junction field, thereby reducing the leakage current.

[0006]FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional diagrams showing a conventional method of forming a lightly doped region on a poly-Si TFT.

[0007] In FIG. 1A, a polysilicon layer 12 is formed on a predetermined surface of a transparent insulating substrate 10, and then a gate insulating layer 14 is formed on the polysilicon layer 12. Next, using a patterned photoresist layer 16 as a mask, a heavy ion implantation process 17 is performed to form an N⁺ doped region 18 on the polysilicon layer 12, thus serving as a source/drain region.

[0008] In FIG. 1B, after removing the patterned photoresist layer 16, a gate layer 20 is patterned on the gate insulating layer 14 to cover a part of the undoped regions of the polysilicon layer 12. Next, using the gate layer 20 as a mask, a light ion implantation process 21 is performed to form an N⁻ doped region 22 on the undoped region of the polysilicon layer 12. The N⁻ doped region 22 serves as a lightly doped region, and the undoped region of the polysilicon layer 12 underlying the gate layer 20 serves as a channel region.

[0009] The above-described method uses the patterned photoresist layer 16 to define the source/drain region, and uses the gate layer 20 to define the lightly doped region. With regard to the limitations of the exposure technique, a problem of photo misalignment easily occurs and may lead to a shift of the gate layer 20, resulting in a shift of the lightly doped region. Also, since two steps of ion implantation processes 17 and 21 are required, the shift problem is worsened, and the complexity of the process, the production cost, and the process time are increased. Moreover, the length of the channel region may vary due to shifting of the lightly doped region, thus the scale reducibility of the polysilicon TFT and the electric performance of the channel region are not reliable.

[0010]FIGS. 2A to 2C are cross-sectional diagrams showing another conventional method of forming a lightly doped region structure on a poly-Si TFT. In FIG. 2A, a polysilicon layer 32, a gate insulating layer 34 and a gate layer 36 are successively formed on a transparent insulating substrate 30. Then, using a first photoresist layer 38 as a mask, the gate layer 36 and the gate insulating layer 34 are etched to expose a predetermined region of the polysilicon layer 32.

[0011] Hereinafter, the method of forming the LDD (lightly doped drain) structure is used in N-MOS poly-Si TFT applications. In FIG. 2B, after removing the first photoresist layer 38, the gate layer 20 is used as a mask, and a light ion implantation process 39 is performed to form an N⁻ doped region 40 on the exposed region of the polysilicon layer 32.

[0012] Next, in FIG. 2C, a second photoresist layer 42 is formed to cover the top and the sidewall of the gate layer 36 and the gate insulating layer 34, thus covering a portion of the N− doped region 40 laterally adjacent to the gate layer 36. Finally, using the second photoresist layer 42 as a mask, a heavy ion implantation process 43 is performed to form an N⁺ doped region 44 on the exposed area of the N⁻ doped region 40. Thus, the N⁺ doped region 44 serves as a source/drain region, the remaining portion of the N− doped region 40 serves as an LDD structure, and the polysilicon layer 32 underlying the gate layer 36 serves as a channel region.

[0013] The above-described method prevents the shift of the LDD structure from the shift of the gate layer 36 caused by the photo misalignment. The shift of the second photoresist layer 42 and two steps of the ion implantation processes 39 and 43, however, still worsen the shift problem of the LDD structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention provides a process of forming a semiconductor device, which comprises heavily doped and lightly doped regions in a semiconductor layer formed in a single doping operation. This is accomplished by providing a doping mask having a relatively thicker section that corresponds to a region to be lightly doped, and a relatively thinner section to be heavily doped.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, a doping mask has a thicker section that covers the region of the semiconductor layer to be lightly doped and a thinner section that covers the region of the semiconductor layer to be heavily doped during the doping process. The doping mask is permeable to dopant, but provides a barrier to the dopant such that the thinly covered region is heavily doped compared to the thickly covered region. The relative thickness of the two sections of mask is chosen in relation to the doping parameters (e.g., time, dopant, concentration, etc.) to result in the desired doping levels in the lightly doped region and the heavily doped region in a single doping operation.

[0016] In another aspect of present invention, more than one layer of mask may be provided to form the relatively thicker section.

[0017] Accordingly, the invention provides in another embodiment a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region, in which a thickness of a gate insulating layer over a lightly doped region is larger than that over a source/drain region, thus one step of ion implantation can achieve the lightly doped region and the source/drain region at the same time.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, a thin film transistor comprises an active layer comprising a channel region, a first doped region and a second doped region, in which the first doped region is disposed between the channel region and the second doped region. A gate insulating layer is formed overlying the active layer and comprises a central region, a shielding region and an extending region. The shielding region is disposed between the central region and the extending region, the central region covers the channel region, and the shielding region covers the first doped region, and the extending region covers the second doped region. The thickness of the shielding region is larger than the thickness of the extending region. A gate layer is formed overlying the gate insulating layer, in which the gate layer covers the central region and exposes the shielding region and the extending region.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, a fabrication method includes the following steps. An active layer is formed overlying a substrate, and then a gate insulating layer is formed overlying the active layer. The gate insulating layer comprises a central region, a shielding region and an extending region, and the shielding region is disposed between the central region and the extending region. Next, a gate layer is formed overlying the gate insulating layer, in which the gate layer covers the central region and exposes the shielding region and the extending region. Next, using an etching process for patterning the gate layer, the gate layer covers the central region and exposes the shielding region and the extending region. Also, the thickness of the shielding region is larger than the thickness of the extending region. Finally, using an ion implantation process, a first doped region and a second doped region are formed in the active layer. The first doped region is covered by the shielding region, and the second doped region is covered by the extending region.

[0020] Furthermore, according to still another embodiment of the invention, a thin film transistor comprises an active layer, a first gate insulating layer and a second gate insulating layer overlying the active layer, a first gate layer overlying the first gate insulating layer, and a second gate layer overlying the second gate insulating layer. The active layer comprises a first lightly doped region, a second lightly doped region, a third lightly doped region, a first channel region, a second channel region, a fourth lightly doped region, a fifth lightly doped region, a first heavily doped region, and a second heavily doped region. The second lightly doped region and the third lightly doped region are formed laterally adjacent to the first lightly doped region respectively. The first channel region and the second channel region extend laterally away from the second lightly doped region and the third lightly doped region respectively. The fourth lightly doped region and the fifth lightly doped region extend laterally away from the first channel region and the second channel region respectively. The first heavily doped region and the second heavily doped region extends laterally away from the fourth lightly doped region and the fifth lightly doped region respectively. The first gate insulating layer and the second gate insulating layer each comprises a central region covering the first channel region of the active layer, a first shielding region covering the fourth lightly doped region of the active layer, a second shielding region covering the second lightly doped region of the active layer, a first extending region covering the first heavily doped region, and a second extending region covering the first lightly doped region. The first gate layer covers the central region of the first gate insulating layer and the second gate layer covers the central region of the second gate insulating layer.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a fabrication method for a thin film transistor having a multi-gate structure comprises the following steps. An active layer is formed overlying a substrate. Two gate insulator layers are formed overlying the active layer. Each gate insulating layer comprises a central region, two shielding regions, and two extending regions, and one of the shielding regions is disposed between the central region and one of the first extending regions. One of the two extending regions from each gate insulating layer are adjacent to be a common extending region. A gate layer is formed overlying each gate insulating layer to cover the central region and exposes the shielding regions and the extending regions. An etching process is performed to pattern each gate layer such that each gate layer covers the central region and exposes the shielding regions and the extending regions and the thickness of the shielding region is larger than the thickness of the extending region. A first ion implantation process is performed to form three first heavily doped regions in the active layer correspondingly underlying the extending regions, four first lightly doped regions in the active layer correspondingly underlying the shielding regions, and two undoped regions in the active layer correspondingly underlying the central regions. Then, a photoresist layer is formed to cover part of each gate layer and the two shielding regions and the common extending region between the two gate layers and expose the other two shielding regions and the other two extending regions. A second ion implantation process is performed to form two second heavily doped regions in the active layer underlying the two exposed extending region and two second lightly doped regions in the active layer underlying the two exposed shielding regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, given by way of illustration only and thus not intended to be limitative of the present invention.

[0023]FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional diagrams showing a conventional method of forming an LDD structure on a poly-Si TFT.

[0024]FIGS. 2A to 2C are cross-sectional diagrams showing another conventional method of forming an LDD structure on a poly-Si TFT.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sections of a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIGS. 5A to 5F are cross-sections of a fabrication method for a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]FIGS. 6A to 6D are cross-sections of a fabrication method for a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a self-aligned lightly doped region having a dual-gate structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]FIGS. 8A to 8D are cross-sections of a fabrication method for a TFT having a dual-gate structure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a display device comprising the LDD TFT in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device comprising the display device in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] First Embodiment

[0034]FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] A substrate 50 comprises a buffer layer 52, an active layer 54, a gate insulating layer 56 and a gate layer 58 formed successively thereon. The substrate 50 is preferably a transparent insulating substrate, such as a glass substrate. The buffer layer 52 is preferably a dielectric layer, such as a silicon oxide layer, for improving the formation of the active layer 54 overlying the substrate 50. The active layer 54 is preferably a semiconductor layer, such as a polysilicon layer. The gate insulating layer 56 may be a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a SiON layer or a combination thereof. The gate layer 58 is preferably a conductive layer, such as a metal layer or a polysilicon layer.

[0036] The gate insulating layer 56 comprises a central region 56 a, two shielding regions 56 b and two extending region 56 c. The central region 56 a is covered by the bottom of the gate layer 58. The two shielding regions 56 b extend laterally away from the central region 56 a, respectively, without being covered by the gate layer 58. The two extending regions 56 c extend laterally away from two shielding regions 56 b, respectively, without being covered by the gate layer 58. The active layer 54 comprises a channel region 54 c, two lightly doped regions 54 b and two source/drain regions 54 a. The channel region 54 c is covered by the central region 56 a and corresponds to the bottom of the gate layer 58. The two lightly doped regions 54 b extend laterally away from the channel region 54 c, and are covered by the two shielding regions 56 b, respectively. The two source/drain regions 54 a extend laterally away from two lightly doped regions 54 b, and are covered by the two extending regions 56 c, respectively.

[0037] By modulating parameters of the photolithography and etching processes for the formation of the gate layer 58 and the gate insulating layer 56, a thickness D₁ of the extending region 56 c and a thickness D₂ of the shielding region 56 b can be effectively controlled to satisfy the condition: D₁<D₂. Preferably, the thickness D₁ is far smaller than the thickness D₂. Alternatively, the thickness D₁ is close to a minimum. Thus, using the thicker shielding region 56 b as an ion-implantation mask for the lightly doped region 54 b, the lightly doped region 54 b and the source/drain region 54 a can be achieved at the same time by one ion implantation process with adequate doping energy and dosage. Preferably, the shielding region 56 b has a lateral width of 0.1˜2.0 μm, the lightly doped region 54 b has a doping concentration less than 5×10¹⁸ atom/cm³ serving as an LDD structure, alternatively less than 2×10¹⁷ atom/cm³ serving as an offset region, and the source/drain region 54 a has a doping concentration of 2×10¹⁹˜2×10²¹ atom/cm³.

[0038] The thin film transistor of the first embodiment of the present invention has advantages described below.

[0039] First, by adjusting the difference between the thickness D₁ of the extending region 56 c and the thickness D₂ of the shielding region 56 b, the thicker shielding region 56 b can be used as an ion-implantation mask for the lightly doped region 54 b, thus the position of the lightly doped region 54 b can be accurately controlled to ensure the electric performance of the thin film transistor.

[0040] Second, since an extra photomask for defining the lightly doped region 54 b is omitted, a shift problem of the lightly doped region 54 b is prevented from the photo misalignment in exposure technique. This can further improve the accuracy in the position of the lightly doped region 54 b.

[0041] Third, compared with the conventional method, the present invention can reduce one photomask and one step of the ion implantation process, thus simplifying the procedure, decreasing process costs, increasing product yield, increasing production rate. Additionally, the method is highly applicable to mass production.

[0042] The thin film transistor is used in N-MOS TFT applications, thus the lightly doped region 54 b is an N⁻-doped region, and the source/drain region 54 a is an N⁺-doped region. Alternatively, the thin film transistor is used in P-MOS TFT applications, thus the lightly doped region 54 b is a P⁻-doped region, and the source/drain region 54 a is a P⁺-doped region. The profile of the gate layer 58 may be square, trapezoid, or another enforceable shape. Alternatively, not shown, the insulating layer 56 may have a gradually thinning or tapering in thickness to provide a gradual change in doping concentration outside of the gate region 56 a.

[0043] By appropriately defining the relative thickness of the gate insulating layer 56 at regions 56 b and 56 c, in relation to the doping process parameters (e.g., dopant, doping time, concentration, etc.), the desired relative doping concentrations in the first and second doped areas 54 b and 54 a may be achieved when they are exposed to the same doping operation, e.g., using the same doping process parameters.

[0044] For certain applications, it may be desired to alter the doping process parameters and/or using a different or additional mask during the doping process. For example, after initial doping to form the lightly and heavily doped regions using a particular dopant concentration, a mask may be applied to cover the lightly doped region, to further dope the region to be heavily doped. Such variation is well within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 3 is a simplified basic TFT configuration, including a drain, source and a channel. Further steps to complete the may include steps to form, for example, electrodes, metalization, interconnect structures, passivation layers, etc. known in the art.

[0046] Second Embodiment

[0047]FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sections of a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Elements in the second embodiment are substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, with the discussion of similar portions omitted below. The gate insulating layer 56 is composed of a first insulating layer 55 and a second insulating layer 57. Preferably, the first insulating layer 55 is a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon-oxide-nitride layer or a combination thereof. The second insulating layer 57 may be of different or same material. Preferably, the second insulating layer 57 is a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon-oxide-nitride layer, or a combination thereof.

[0049] The gate insulating layer 56 has a central region 56 a, two extending regions 56 b and two extending regions 56 c. In the central region 56 a, a double-layer structure composed of the first insulating layer 55 and the second insulating layer 57 covers the channel region 54 c. In the shielding region 56 b, a double-layer structure composed of the first insulating layer 55 and the second insulating layer 57 covers the lightly doped region 54 b and is exposed laterally adjacent to the gate layer 58. In the extending region 56 c, a single-layer structure composed of the first insulating layer 55 covers the source/drain region 54 a. Thus, a thickness D₁ of the extending region 56 c (the single-layer structure) is smaller than a thickness D₂ of the shielding region 56 b (the double-layer structure).

[0050] By the combination of the first insulating layer 55 and the second insulating layer 57, the thickness D₁ of the extending region 56 c and the thickness D₂ of the shielding region 56 b can be well controlled to satisfy the condition: D₁<D₂. Preferably, the thickness D₁ is far smaller than the thickness D₂. Alternatively, the thickness D₁ is close to a minimum. Thus, using the thicker shielding region 56 b as an ion-implantation mask for the lightly doped region 54 b, and performing an ion implantation process with adequate doping energy and dosage, the lightly doped region 54 b and the source/drain region 54 a can be achieved at the same time. Preferably, the shielding region 56 b has a lateral width of 0.1˜2.0 μm, the doping energy is 10˜100 KeV, the lightly doped region 54 b has a doping concentration less than 5×10¹⁸ atom/cm³ serving as an LDD structure, alternatively less than 2×10¹⁷ atom/cm³ serving as an offset region, and the source/drain region has a doping concentration of 2×10¹⁹˜2×10²¹ atom/cm³. Advantages in the second embodiment are substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, with the similar portions omitted below.

[0051] In FIG. 4A, in the formation of the extending region 56 c, an etching process for the second insulating layer 57 is stopped on the first insulating layer 55. Comparatively, in the alternate embodiment of FIG. 4B, the first insulating layer 55 is over etched to be thinner than that in FIG. 4A. Both layers in FIGS. 4A and 4B satisfy the condition: D₁<D₂, and achieve the above-described advantages. In addition, the gate insulating layer 56 may be composed of three insulating layers or more than three insulating layers to achieve the same thickness difference between the extending region 56 c (thickness D₁) and the shielding region 56 b (thickness D₂).

[0052] Alternatively, not shown, the second insulating layer 57 may be partially etched to form the thinner region 56 c.

[0053] Still alternatively, not shown, more than two layers of insulating layer may be deployed along with accompanying masking and etching process, to provide a gradually thinning region to obtain a gradual change in doping concentration outside of the gate region 56 a.

[0054] Third Embodiment

[0055]FIGS. 5A to 5F are cross-sections of a fabrication method for a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The fabrication method may be used in P-MOS TFTs or N-MOS TFT applications. According to the thin film transistor described in the first embodiment, the fabrication method for the self-aligned lightly doped region is described in the following.

[0057] In FIG. 5A, a substrate 50 is provided with a buffer layer 52 and an active layer 54 formed successively thereon. The substrate 50 is preferably a transparent insulating substrate, such as a glass substrate. The buffer layer 52 is preferably a dielectric layer, such as a silicon oxide layer, for improving the formation of the active layer 54 overlying the substrate 50. The active layer 54 is preferably a semiconductor layer, such as a polysilicon layer. For example, the active layer 54 is formed by a low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) process. An amorphous silicon layer is formed on a glass substrate, and then heat treatment or excimer laser annealing (ELA) is used to transform the amorphous silicon layer into a polysilicon layer.

[0058] In FIG. 5B, a gate insulating layer 56 and a gate layer 58 are successively deposited on the active layer 54, and then a patterned photoresist layer 60 is formed on the gate layer 58. The gate insulating layer 56 may be a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a SiON layer or a combination thereof. The gate layer 58 is preferably a conductive layer, such as a metal layer or a polysilicon layer. The size and position of the patterned photoresist layer 60 correspond to that of a predetermined gate pattern.

[0059] In FIG. 5C, using the patterned photoresist layer 60 as a mask, the gate layer 58 is etched to define the predetermined pattern of the gate layer 58 until the gate insulating layer 56 achieves a predetermined thickness difference. Plasma etching or reactive ion etching may be employed to modulate the etched thickness of the gate insulating layer 56 until the gate insulating layer 56 outside the gate layer 58 is retained, resulting in an extending region 56 c. Also, a thickness D₁ of the extending region 56 c and a thickness D₂ of gate insulating layer 56 underlying the gate layer 58 satisfy the condition: D₁<D₂.

[0060] In FIG. 5D, by etching, the gate layer 58 is shaped as a trapezoid profile with an upper base shorter than a lower base, thus the gate insulating layer 56 covered by the bottom of the gate layer 58 serves as a central region 56 a. Also, the gate insulating layer 56 exposed laterally adjacent to the gate layer 58 serves as a shielding region 56 b. Moreover, a thickness D₁ of the extending region 56 c and a thickness D₂ of shielding region 56 b must satisfy the condition: D₁<D₂. Preferably, the etching method uses a reactive gas mixed by an oxygen-containing gas and a chlorine-containing gas, and adjusts the individual flow of the oxygen-containing gas or the chlorine-containing gas in a timely manner. For example, during the etching process for the gate layer 58, the flow of the chlorine-containing gas is gradually tuned to reach a maximum, even if chlorine-containing gas is the main gas used, resulting in a trapezoid profile of the gate layer 58. During the etching process for the gate insulating layer 56, the flow of the chlorine-containing gas is gradually tuned to reach a minimum, even if the oxygen-containing gas is the main gas used. This etching process shown in FIG. 5D may replace that shown in FIG. 5C in order to decrease process time and costs.

[0061] In FIG. 5E, after removing the patterned photoresist layer 60, the gate layer 58, and the shielding region 56 b are used as a mask, and an ion implantation process 62 is performed to form an undoped region 54 c, a lightly-doped region 54 b, and a heavily-doped region 54 a in the active layer 54. The lightly-doped region 54 b underlying the shielding region 56 b serves as an LDD structure 54 b or offset region 54 b. The heavily-doped region 54 a underlying the extending region 56 c serves as a source/drain region 54 a. The undoped region 54 c underlying the central region 56 a serves as a channel region 54 c.

[0062] In the ion implantation process 62, the lightly doped region 54 b has a doping concentration less than 5×10¹⁸ atom/cm³, and the source/drain region 54 a has a doping concentration of 2×10¹⁹˜2×10²¹ atom/cm³. The thin film transistor is used in N-MOS TFT applications, thus the lightly doped region 54 b is an N⁻-doped region, and the source/drain region 54 a is an N⁺-doped region. Alternatively, the thin film transistor is used in P-MOS TFT applications, thus the lightly doped region 54 b is a P⁻-doped region, and the source/drain region 54 a is a P⁺-doped region.

[0063] In FIG. 5F, an interconnect process for an inter-dielectric layer 64, a plurality of contact vias 65 and a plurality of interconnects 66 is performed thereon.

[0064] In addition to the advantages as described in the first embodiment, the fabrication method for the thin film transistor of the third embodiment of the present invention further has the following advantage.

[0065] The ion implantation process can be performed simultaneously in the P-MOS region and the N-MOS region for different degree doped regions to modulate electric characteristics, thus further simplifying procedure, decreasing process costs, increasing product yield and increasing production rate.

[0066] Fourth Embodiment

[0067]FIGS. 6A to 6D are cross-sections of a fabrication method for a thin film transistor with a self-aligned lightly doped region according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The fabrication method may be used in P-MOS TFT or N-MOS TFT applications. According to the thin film transistor structure described in the second embodiment, the fabrication method for the self-aligned lightly doped region is described in the following. Elements and steps in the fourth embodiment are substantially similar to that of the third embodiment, with description of the similar portions omitted below.

[0069] In FIG. 6A, a substrate 50 is provided with a buffer layer 52, an active layer 54, a first insulating layer 55, a second insulating layer 57, a gate layer 58 and a patterned photoresist layer 60. Preferably, the substrate 50 is a glass substrate, the buffer layer 52 is silicon oxide layer, and the active layer 54 is a polysilicon layer. The first insulating layer 55 may be a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a SiON layer or a combination thereof. The second insulating layer 57 may be a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a SiON layer or a combination thereof. The gate layer 58 may be a conductive layer, a metal layer or a polysilicon layer. The size and position of the patterned photoresist layer 60 correspond to that of a predetermined gate pattern.

[0070] The combination of the first insulating layer 55 and the second insulating layer 57 serves as a gate insulating layer 56. Additionally, the gate insulating layer 56 has a central region 56 a, two shielding regions 56 b, and two extending regions 56 c.

[0071] In FIG. 6B, using the patterned photoresist layer 60 as a mask, the gate layer 58 is etched to define the predetermined pattern of the gate layer 58 until a part of the gate insulating layer 56 is etched. Plasma etching or reactive ion etching may be employed to modulate the thicknesses of the second insulating layer 57 and the first insulating layer 55. Preferably, the second insulating layer 57 is removed so as to retrain the first insulating layer 55 within the extending region 56 c. Thus, the extending region 56 c is a single-layer structure composed of the first insulating layer 55, and the shielding region 56 b is a double-layer structure composed of the first insulating layer 55 and the second insulating layer 57. The extending region 56 c is thinner than the shielding region 56 b.

[0072] In FIG. 6C, using an enforceable etching method, the gate layer 58 is shaped as a trapezoid profile with an upper base shorter than a lower base. Thus, the central region 56 a, a double-layer structure composed of the first insulating layer 55 and the second insulating layer 57, is covered by the bottom of the gate layer 58. The shielding region 56 b is exposed laterally adjacent to the gate layer 58. The extending region 56 c corresponds to a predetermined source/drain region. Also, depending on product requirements, the first insulating layer 55 can be over etched, and a thickness D₁ of the extending region 56 c and a thickness D₂ of shielding region 56 b must satisfy the condition: D₁<D₂. Moreover, this step shown in FIG. 6C may replace that shown in FIG. 6B in order to decrease process time and cost.

[0073] In FIG. 6D, after removing the patterned photoresist layer 60, the gate layer 58 and the shielding region 56 b are used as a mask, and an ion implantation process 62 forms an undoped region 54 c, a lightly-doped region 54 b, and a heavily-doped region 54 a in the active layer 54. The lightly-doped region 54 b underlying the shielding region 56 b serves as a lightly doped region 54 b. The heavily-doped region 54 a underlying the extending region 56 c serves as a source/drain region 54 a. The undoped region 54 c underlying the central region 56 a serves as a channel region 54 c. Preferably, the lightly doped region 54 b has a doping concentration less than 5×10¹⁸ atom/cm³ serving as an LDD structure, alternatively less than 2×10¹⁷ atom/cm³ serving as an offset region, and the source/drain region has a doping concentration of 2×10¹⁹˜2×10²¹ atom/cm³. Thereafter, an interconnect process is performed thereon.

[0074] Advantages in the fourth embodiment are substantially similar to that of the third embodiment, with the similar portions omitted below. In addition, the gate insulating layer 56 may constitute three or more insulating layers to achieve the same thickness difference between the extending region 56 c (thickness D₁) and the shielding region 56 b (thickness D₂).

[0075] Fifth Embodiment

[0076]FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a lightly doped region TFT having a dual-gate structure according to this embodiment. The shielding region 56 b has a relatively thicker section that covers the region of the semiconductor layer to be lightly doped, and a relatively thinner extending region that covers the region of the semiconductor layer to be heavily doped. This may be accomplished by modifying the etching step in FIGS. 5C to 5E, where the gate insulating layer 56 not covered by the gates 58I and 58II are etched to reduce its thickness (corresponding to regions 54 a and 54 a′) to less than the thickness of the gate insulating layer above regions 54 b and 54 b′. Alternatively, additional or separate etching steps may be involved to form a gate insulating layer that includes a thicker region and a thinner region. As a result, each gate insulating layer comprises an extended region 56 c extending laterally away from the shielding region 56 b and covering the region 54 a. The extended region 56 c is thinner than the shielding region 56 b to protect the underlying polysilicon layer without affecting concentration of the lightly doped region and the source region.

[0077] After doping step in FIG. 7, a dope shielding mask of photoresist is applied between the gates 56 and the entire structure is subject to further doping.

[0078] Thus, gate insulating layers having the extended regions 56 c can achieve the advantages described in the second embodiment.

[0079] Each extended region 56 c and each shielding region 56 b may be fabricated using the same material. Alternatively, the shielding region 56 b comprises a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, and the extended region 56 c comprises the first insulating layer. The first insulating layer may be made of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon-oxide-nitride, or a combination thereof. The second insulating layer may be made of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon-oxide-nitride, or a combination thereof. In addition, the first gate insulating layer may comprise three or more insulating layers to achieve the same thickness difference between the extended region 56 c and the shielding region 56 b.

[0080]FIG. 7 is a simplified basic lightly doped region TFT having a multi-gate structure configuration. Further steps to complete the lightly doped region TFT may include steps to form, for example, electrodes, metalization, interconnect structures, passivation layers, etc. known in the art.

[0081] Sixth Embodiment

[0082]FIGS. 8A to 8D are cross-sections of a fabrication method for a TFT having a dual-gate structure according to this embodiment.

[0083] In FIG. 8A, a substrate 50 is provided with a buffer layer 52 and a semiconductor layer 54 successively formed thereon. The substrate 50 is a transparent insulating substrate, such as a glass substrate. The buffer layer 52 is a dielectric layer, such as a silicon oxide layer, for improving the formation of the semiconductor layer 54 on the substrate 50. The semiconductor layer 54 is a polysilicon layer. In order to adjust threshold voltage of transistor, B⁺ or P⁺ ion implantation process may be performed thereon.

[0084] In FIG. 8B, an insulating layer 56 and a conductive layer 58 are successively deposited on the semiconductor layer 54. The insulating layer 56 may be made of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon-oxide-nitride or a combination thereof. The conductive layer 58 (not shown) may be a metal layer or a polysilicon layer. Dry etching with a patterned photoresist mask then forms the conductive layer 58 as a first gate layer 58I and a second gate layer 58II.

[0085] In FIG. 8C, plasma etching or reactive ion etching is employed with a reactive gas mixture of an oxygen-containing gas and a chlorine-containing gas, whereby the gate layers 58I and 58II of a trapezoid profile and two gate insulating layers 56I and 56II are completed by adjusting the individual flow of the oxygen-containing gas or the chlorine-containing gas in a timely manner. For example, during the etching process for the gate layers 58I and 58II, the flow of the chlorine-containing gas is gradually tuned to a maximum, even if chlorine-containing gas is the main gas used. During the etching process for the insulating layer 56, the flow of the oxygen-containing gas is gradually increased to a maximum, such that a part of the patterned photoresist mask is removed and the gate layers 58I and 58II exposed again by the patterned photoresist mask is etched simultaneously. The photoresist mask is then removed.

[0086] By modifying the etching step in FIGS. 5C to 5E, or alternatively, involving additional or separate etching steps, the gate insulating layer 56 not covered by the gates 58I and 58II are etched and formed to include thicker regions and thinner regions. As a result, the first gate insulating layer 56I comprises a central region 56Ia, two shielding regions 56Ib, and two extending regions 56Ic and 56 c and the second gate insulating layer 56II comprises a central region 56IIa, two shielding regions 56IIb, and two extending regions 56IIc and 56 c. The central regions 56Ia and 56IIa are covered by the bottom of the gate layers 58I and 58II. The two shielding regions 56Ib extend laterally away from the central region 56Ia, respectively, and the two shielding regions 56IIb extend laterally away from the central region 56IIa, respectively, without being covered by the gate layers 58I and 58II. The extending regions 56Ic and 56 c extend laterally away from the shielding regions 56Ib, respectively, with one of shielding regions 56Ib between the regions 56Ia and 56Ic, another shielding region 56Ib between the regions 56Ia and 56 c. In the same way, one of shielding regions 56IIb is between the regions 56IIa and 56IIc, and another shielding region 56IIb is between the regions 56IIa and 56 c. The extending region 56 c of the first gate insulating layer and the extending region 56 c of the second gate insulating layer are joined together. The extending regions 56Ic and 56IIc cover a predetermined source/drain region, respectively. The thickness of the shielding region is larger than that of the extending region. The shielding region 56Ib has a lateral length of 0.1 μm˜2.0 μm. Depending on requirements for circuit designs, the size and symmetry of the lateral lengths may be adequately modified.

[0087] In FIG. 8D, a lightly doped ion implantation process 62 is employed, and the gate layers 58I and 58II and the shielding regions are used as masks, such that a plurality of regions 54 a, 54 b, and 54 c with various doping concentrations are formed in the active layer 54. The regions 54 c are undoped, correspondingly located underlying the central regions 56Ia and 56IIa, respectively. The regions 54 b are lightly doped regions, correspondingly located underlying the shielding regions 56Ib and 56IIb, respectively. The regions 54 a are doped regions, correspondingly located underlying the extending regions 56Ic, 56IIc, and 56 c, respectively, laterally adjacent to the shielding regions 54 b of the first gate insulating layer 54. One region 54 a is disposed between the shielding regions 54 b and may have a different doping concentration with the regions 54 a, as desired. By adjusting accelerated voltage and dosage of the lightly doped ion implantation process 62, the doping concentrations of the lightly doped regions 54 b can be modified to serve as lightly doped drain structures or offset regions and may each have a different doping concentration, as desired.

[0088] In FIG. 8E, after a lightly doped ion implantation process 62 is employed, a photoresist layer 46 is formed to cover the shielding region 56Ib₂ of the first gate insulating layer 56I, the shielding region 56IIb₁ of the second gate insulating layer 56II, and the common extending region 56 c in the space between the shielding regions 56Ib₂ and 56IIb₁. Finally, a heavily-doped ion implantation process 64 is performed, and the photoresist layer 46, the gate layers 58I and 58II, and the shielding regions 56Ib₁ and 56IIb₂ are used as masks, such that the doping concentrations of the regions 54 b 1 and 54 b 2 are increased to become N⁻ regions and the doping concentrations of the regions 54 a 1 and 54 a 2 are increased to become N⁺ regions.

[0089] Accordingly, the regions 54 a ₁ and 54 a ₂ are N⁺ regions, serving as a source region and a drain region respectively. The region 54 b ₁ and the region 54 b ₂ are N⁻ regions, serving as two LDD structures or offset regions. The regions 54 b are N⁻⁻ regions, serving as another two LDD structures or offset regions, located between the two gate layers 58I and 58II. The region 54 a is an N⁻ region, serving as common source/drain region. The regions 54 c are undoped, serving as two channel regions of the dual-gate structure. Preferably, the doping concentration for the regions 54 a ₁ and 54 a ₂ is 2×10¹⁹˜2×10²¹ atom/cm³, for the regions 54 b ₁, 54 b ₂ and 54 a, less than 5×10¹⁸ atom/cm³, and for the regions 54 b, less than 2×10¹⁷ atom/cm³.

[0090] The TFT may be used in an N-MOS TFT, such that the lightly doped regions are N⁻ regions, and heavily doped regions are N⁺ regions. Alternatively, the LDD TFT is used in a P-MOS TFT, such that the lightly doped regions are P⁻ regions, and heavily doped regions are P⁺ regions. Subsequent interconnect process including formation of inter-dielectric layers, contact holes and interconnects on the thin film transistor is omitted herein.

[0091] The TFT and the fabrication method thereof have the following advantages.

[0092] First, two symmetrical LDD regions outside the two gate layers 58I and 58II and two symmetrical Lightly doped regions between the two gate layers 58I and 58II are formed simultaneously, thus effectively reducing current leakage.

[0093] Second, the ion implantation process uses the shielding regions as masks, thus completing self-aligned lightly doped regions and source/drain regions simultaneously.

[0094] Third, by adjusting parameters of the etching process, the lateral lengths of the shielding regions can be accurately controlled, thus ensuring proper positioning of the lightly doped regions and electric performance of the TFT.

[0095] Fourth, since an extra photomask or a spacer structure for defining the Lightly doped regions are not used, shifting of the lightly doped regions due to photo misalignment in exposure is prevented, further improving accuracy in positioning the lightly doped regions.

[0096] Fifth, the heavily doped ion implantation process 64 uses the photoresist layer 46 as a mask without a high-accuracy pattern, thus simplifying a photolithography process for the photoresist layer 46.

[0097]FIG. 8E is a simplified basic TFT having a multi-gate structure configuration. Further steps to complete the TFT may include steps to form, for example, electrodes, metalization, interconnect structures, passivation layers, etc. known in the art.

[0098]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a display device 3 comprising the TFT in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The display panel 1 can be couple to a controller 2, forming a display device 3 as shown in FIG. 9. The controller 3 can comprise a source and a gate driving circuits (not shown) to control the display panel 1 to render image in accordance with an input.

[0099]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 5, incorporating a display comprising the TFT in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. An input device 4 is coupled to the controller 2 of the display device 3 shown in FIG. 9 can include a processor or the like to input data to the controller 2 to render an image. The electronic device 5 may be a portable device such as a PDA, notebook computer, tablet computer, cellular phone, or a desktop computer.

[0100] While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of forming a semiconductor device, comprising the steps of: providing a semiconductor layer; providing a first masking layer that includes a first thickness region over a first region of the semiconductor layer and a second thickness region over a second region of the semiconductor layer, said first masking layer comprising a material that provides a permeable barrier to a dopant; exposing the semiconductor layer, including the first thickness region and the second thickness region covered by the first masking layer, to the dopant, wherein the first region covered by the first thickness region of the first masking layer is lightly doped with the dopant in comparison to the second region covered by the second thickness region of the first masking layer.
 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the first thickness region and the second thickness region are formed from a same layer of material.
 3. The method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of prior to exposing to the dopant, providing a second masking layer over a portion of the first masking layer corresponding to a third region of the semiconductor layer, said second masking layer is impermeable to the dopant, wherein the third region is not doped when the semiconductor layer including the second masking layer is exposed to dopant.
 4. The method as in claim 3, wherein the semiconductor device is a TFT, and wherein the first region of the semiconductor corresponds to a lightly doped region of the TFT, the second region of the semiconductor corresponds to a heavily doped source/drain structure of the TFT, and the third region of the semiconductor corresponds to a channel of the TFT.
 5. The method as in claim 4, wherein the first masking layer comprises a gate insulating layer of the TFT.
 6. The method as in claim 5, wherein the second masking layer comprises a gate layer of the TFT.
 7. The method as in claim 2, wherein the second thickness region is relatively thinner than the first thickness region, and wherein the first masking layer is etched to form the second thickness region.
 8. The method as in claim 1, wherein the first masking layer comprises first and second layers.
 9. The method as in claim 8, wherein the second layer extends to cover the first thickness region, and the first and second layers together cover the first thickness region.
 10. The method as in claim 9, wherein the second layer is etched to form the second thickness region.
 11. A semiconductor device, comprising: a semiconductor layer; a first masking layer that includes a first thickness region over a first region of the semiconductor layer and a second thickness region over a second region of the semiconductor layer, said first masking layer comprising a material that provide a permeable barrier to a dopant, whereby the first region covered by the first thickness region of the first masking layer is lightly doped with the dopant in comparison to the second region covered by the second thickness region of the first masking layer.
 12. A thin film transistor, comprising: an active layer formed and comprising a channel region, a first doped region and a second doped region, in which the first doped region is disposed between the channel region and the second doped region; a gate insulating layer formed overlying the active layer and comprising a central region, a shielding region and an extending region, in which the shielding region is disposed between the central region and the extending region, the central region covers the channel region, the shielding region covers the first doped region, and the extending region covers the second doped region; and a gate layer formed overlying the gate insulating layer, in which the gate layer covers the central region and exposes the shielding region and the extending region; wherein, the thickness of the shielding region is larger than the thickness of the extending region.
 13. The thin film transistor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the shielding region and the extending region are made of the same material layer.
 14. The thin film transistor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the shielding region and the extending region are made of different material layers.
 15. The thin film transistor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the gate insulating layer comprises: a first insulating layer formed overlying the active layer; and a second insulating layer formed overlying the first insulating layer; wherein, the shielding region comprises the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer; and wherein, the extending region comprises the first insulating layer.
 16. The thin film transistor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the doping concentration of the first doped region
 17. The thin film transistor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first doped region is an LDD structure having a doping concentration less than 5×10¹⁸ atom/cm³.
 18. The thin film transistor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first doped region is an offset region having a doping concentration less than 2×10¹⁷ atom/cm³.
 19. The thin film transistor as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second doped region is a source/drain region having a doping concentration of 2×10¹⁹ to 2×10²¹ atom/cm³.
 20. A thin film transistor having a multi-gate structure, comprising: an active layer formed and comprising: a first lightly doped region; a second lightly doped region and a third lightly doped region formed laterally adjacent to the first lightly doped region respectively; a first channel region and a second channel region extending laterally away from the second lightly doped region and the third lightly doped region respectively; a fourth lightly doped region and a fifth lightly doped region extending laterally away from the first channel region and the second channel region respectively; and a first heavily doped region and a second heavily doped region extending laterally away from the fourth lightly doped region and the fifth lightly doped region respectively; a first gate insulating layer formed on the active layer and comprising: a central region covering the first channel region of the active layer; a first shielding region covering the fourth lightly doped region of the active layer; a second shielding region covering the second lightly doped region of the active layer; a first extending region covering the first heavily doped region; and a second extending region covering the first lightly doped region; a second gate insulating layer formed on the active layer and comprising: a central region covering the second channel region of the active layer; a first shielding region covering the third lightly doped region of the active layer; a second shielding region covering the fifth lightly doped region of the active layer; a first extending region covering the second heavily doped region; and a second extending region joined with the second extending region comprised in the first gate insulating layer to cover the first lightly doped region; a first gate layer covering the central region of the first gate insulating layer; and a first gate layer covering the central region of the first gate insulating layer; and a second gate layer covering the central region of the second gate insulating layer.
 21. The thin film transistor having a multi-gate structure as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of (a) the second lightly doped region and the third lightly doped region, and (b) the fourth lightly doped region and the fifth lightly doped region, have the same doping concentration and length.
 22. A fabrication method for a thin film transistor, comprising: providing a substrate; forming an active layer overlying the substrate; forming a gate insulating layer overlying the active layer, in which the gate insulating layer comprises a central region, a shielding region and an extending region, and the shielding region is disposed between the central region and the extending region; forming a gate layer overlying the gate insulating layer, in which the gate layer covers the central region and exposes the shielding region and the extending region; performing an etching process to pattern the gate layer, in which the gate layer covers the central region and exposes the shielding region and the extending region, and the thickness of performing an ion implantation process to form a first doped region and a second doped region in the active layer; wherein, the first doped region is covered by the shielding region, and the second doped region is covered by the extending region.
 23. The fabrication method for a thin film transistor as claimed in claim 22, wherein the method of forming the gate insulating layer comprises: forming a first insulating layer overlying the active layer; forming a second insulating layer overlying the first insulating layer; and performing an etching process to remove the second insulating layer from the extending region, in which the first insulating layer is retained in the extending region; wherein, the shielding region comprises the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer; and wherein, the extending region comprises the first insulating layer.
 24. The fabrication method for a thin film transistor as claimed in claim 22, wherein the doping concentration of the first doped region is less than 2×10¹⁷ atom/cm³, and the doping concentration of the second doping region is 2×10¹⁹˜2×10²¹ atom/cm³.
 25. The fabrication method for a thin film transistor as claimed in claim 22, wherein the doping concentration of the first doped region is less than 5×10¹⁸ atom/cm³, and the doping concentration of the second doping region is 2×10¹⁹˜2×10²¹ atom/cm³.
 26. A fabrication method for a thin film transistor having a multi-gate structure, comprising: providing a substrate; forming an active layer overlying the substrate; forming a first gate insulating layer and a second insulating layer overlying the active layer, in which the first gate insulating layer comprises a first central region, two first shielding regions, and two first extending regions, the first shielding region is disposed between the first central region and the first extending region, the second gate insulating layer comprises a second central region, two second shielding regions, two second extending regions, and the second shielding region is disposed between the second central region and the second extending region, and one of the two first extending regions and one of the two second extending regions are adjacent to be a common extending region; forming a first gate layer and a second gate layer overlying the first gate insulating layer and the second gate insulating layer respectively, central region and exposes the first shielding regions and the first extending regions, and the second gate layer covers the second central region and exposes the second shielding regions and the second extending regions; performing an etching process to pattern the first and second gate layers, in which the first and second gate layer covers the first and second central regions and exposes the first and second shielding regions and the first and second extending regions, the thickness of the first shielding region is larger than the thickness of the first extending region, and the thickness of the second shielding region is larger than the thickness of the second extending region; performing a first ion implantation process to form three first heavily doped regions in the active layer correspondingly underlying the extending regions, four first lightly doped regions in the active layer correspondingly underlying the shielding regions, and two undoped regions in the active layer correspondingly underlying the central regions; forming a photoresist layer to cover part of the first gate layer, part of the second gate layer, and the two shielding regions and the common extending region between the first and the second gate layers and expose the other two shielding regions and the other two extending regions; and performing a second ion implantation process to form two second heavily doped regions in the active layer underlying the two exposed extending region and two second lightly doped regions in the active layer underlying the two exposed shielding regions.
 27. A display device, comprising: a display panel comprising a semiconductor device as in claim 11; and a controller coupled to the display panel to control the display panel to render an image in accordance with an input.
 28. An electronic device, comprising: a display device as in claim 29; and an input device coupled to the controller of the display device to render an image. 